Pulsed Power Research Associate

#138035 Pulsed Power Staff Research Associate

Payroll

Title:

SRA 1
Department: CNTR ENERGY RESEARCH
Hiring Pay Scale: $27.85 - $29.05 / Hour
Worksite:
Campus
Appointment Type:
Career
Appointment Percent: 100%
Union: RX Contract
Total Openings: 1

Work Schedule:

8 hrs/day, Monday-Friday

Filing Deadline:
Wed 1/28/2026

UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment:
Apply by 1/19/26 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants:
Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

Department Overview:
The Center for Energy Research (CER) is an organized research unit at UC San Diego aimed at coordinating and promoting energy research and education. The Center provides a venue for interdisciplinary interactions among UCSD faculty, researchers, students and the public. Members of CER perform basic and applied research in the fields of fusion energy, solar energy, combustion, and related disciplines.

The center also serves as a focal point for studies of socio-economic and environmental aspects of energy production and use.

Position

Description:

Under direct supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI), the incumbent will assist with laser plasma experiments and will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the laser plasma interaction laboratory. They will operate the lasers and associated diagnostics. Incumbent will take care of all the safety issues pertinent to the laboratory, including laser and radiation safety. They will assist in data processing and will help students carry out assigned tasks.

They will also mentor undergraduate students.

The incumbent will occasionally also visit and assist in experiments at the Jupiter Laser Facility at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

• Theoretical knowledge of Mechanical Engineering or Physics as obtained through a related degree and one year of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience performing data processing and analysis.
• Strong computer skills including experience using the following software:
  Origin, Photoshop, Image 1.
• Demonstrated ability to use cameras, optics, lasers, and hexapods.
• Demonstrated capability in the exercise of good experimental procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills to maintain high-quality communication with PI and other lab members.
• Demonstrated ability to train and provide effective work direction to students.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated experience working in an academic research environment.

Preferred:

• Working knowledge of UC lab safety policies and procedures.

• Position will require occasional overnight travel to Jupiter Laser Facility at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
• Background check required.
• Work location is on campus fulltime.

Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: $58,151 - $69,363 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $27.85 - $33.22
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose…